- Watching the tapes of the matches again, Isagi? No wonder why your growth is over the roof.

Reo complimented as he met Isagi the third time at this room in the same week. It was 22 o'clock, most of the players of Blue Lock were in their beds by now, so Reo figured that this was the best time to study other's moves in the battle to upgrade his Chameleon skills.

- You are the one to say. - Isagi replied with a smile on his face as he scooted to the side for the newcomer to sit. - Your Chameleon skill is insane.

Reo chuckled at the compliment as he sat down, his mind darted back to when Isagi insulted every player on the field.

- We still lose to you, unfortunately. But we'll definitely win next time!

- Bet. - Isagi rolled his eyes jokingly. - But I have to say, you and Nagi linking up was the last thing I expected in the match. I didn't see it coming, you guys really did give me a hard time.

- You didn't expect that? - Reo repeated in surprise.

- Yeah, I thought you weren't really talking.

Reo shrugged and quietly stared at the screens, but he wasn't seeing anything. Isagi was about to continue when he said:

- I was surprised too, I guess.

- You too? - Isagi's blue eyes widened as he looked at the purple head.

- Well, I've always expected that he would come back, but he came back at the moment I didn't want him to the most. - Reo shrugged again, sighing in defeat.

He thought back to that moment, while he was thriving with determination to become the best on his own, to climb to the top by himself, to not entrust his dream to anyone else. And then Nagi just came back, simply saying "I need you". He wanted to be tough, to try and give a chance to his new resolve. But after Nagi explained himself, he couldn't bring himself to leave the white haired boy alone, to break their promise.

- Really? Why?

Isagi asked as he scooted closer and turned off the videos so they could hear each other better. Looking at his round and shiny eyes, his eager facial expression and body language, his attempt to be understanding and sympathetic, Reo laughed heartily.

- What? - Isagi frowned at him.

- Nothing. I'm just thinking "Oh, that's how Isagi got that many people to confide with him.".

- The way you put that makes it sound like I'm always up to no good. - Isagi scrunched his nose as he said. - I just want to communicate better with you guys.

- I get it, no need to be sulky about that. - Reo grinned and clarified himself. - I do it all the time too, so I get it, really. It's just fascinating how you use it to play football.

- Oh, that's what... Hey, you're trying to distract me! I was asking you first!

- Oops. - Reo stuck out his tongue as he chuckled. - You got me.

- I won't urge you to say but I really want to know what is going on in the minds of geniuses like you.

- Me? I'm no genius. That's why Nagi left me in the first place.

- You know that's not why he left you.

Isagi frowned at Reo again. How did this genius get so insecure? Talking about Nagi, his scalp still ached from that one time the tall lad pulled his hair to knock some sense into him. Brutal, but necessary. However, that was just because he didn't want Isagi to pull him into the same pit, he just wanted to be better for Reo.

- I know. I do know very well now. - Reo sighed as he leaned back, his arms supporting his body.

Isagi smiled as he saw Reo's eyes went soft and nostalgic. He really didn't expect to see such a deep-rooted relationship in Blue Lock, the place where all the most egotistical people gathered. While the raven boy had reasons to believe the egotistical play was the way to go (he had lost because of his coach's team-based advice too many times), he also wanted to hear about their unique story and the way their bond changed through Blue Lock. Meaningful stories about friendships were kind of his thing ever since he was little after all.

Therefore, Isagi remained silent as he looked at Reo, waiting for him to continue. The other boy got his signal, and with a moment of hesitation, he started.

- You know, at the time when Nagi chose to form a team with you and Bachira, I was furious. And miserable. Because I felt betrayed, and I knew I deserved to be at the same time.

- But he didn't...

- I know, that's our first miscommunication. Just let me rant.

- Okay. I have all night.

Isagi smiled as he hugged one of the pillows, indicating that they could sleep here if the story went on for too long. He wanted to be supportive of Reo just like Chigiri and Kunigami had done, because he really hoped to understand Reo, one of his opponents.

- You're really into gossip, aren't you? - Reo laughed again.

- Whatever. - Isagi said as he pouted. Reo was really a tease.

- Back to the story. Ah, just so you know, I have never held a grudge against you, then and now. Back then, I understood that Nagi went along with you because he found you interesting and wanted to play with you more than me. He got bored of me so that was my fault. It was my fault all along.

Isagi shifted his gaze to Reo's eyes as he heard him say, only to find that they had seemed to lose their shine. He opened his mouth, frantically looking for words to speak, but Reo continued before he had the chance to:

- So I figured out that I must be better in order for him to come back to be. I was obsessed with the idea of making him crawl his way back to me. Quite toxic, aren't I?

- It's a normal reaction, really. Maybe Kunigami and Chirigi felt the same back then, when I chose not to wait for them.

- No, they were doing fine, probably because they had each other. They even helped me balance out my emotions. Those guys are stable. Me? Not really.

Reo bit the inside of his cheek as he flashed back to the time when he was the duo's teammate. It was the first time he didn't lead in his life, the first time he leaned on someone else instead of controlling them. And to his surprise, Kunigami and Chigiri didn't find him bothersome, they supported him, even if that was for a very short time.

- What makes Nagi so important to you?

- He was my only. - Reo smiled softly as he answered.

- Only?

Reo hummed and nodded. Isagi quietly watched him, waiting for him to continue. Reo thought back to his life before meeting his treasure, vibrant but tasteless, extravagant but empty, he never wanted to go back the way it was before. He couldn't . So he clinged onto Nagi, his only hope to get out of that repetitive life.

- My only friend, at that point. The only person who didn't come to me because of my parents reputation. He hung out with me because I'm me. I'm Reo. Not Mikage.

- It must be really troublesome, living up to that kind of reputation.

- It is. So I treasured Nagi like he was the most precious thing that I own.

Isagi nodded while still giving him his understanding eyes. He was by no means living the same life as Reo, but he got the feeling of having few friends. He too only had one close friend, and he was trying to keep that friendship.

- But that was where the problem lied. I treated him like the most precious thing I own. Like a thing I owned . I discarded him as a human, so I couldn't take it when he left me behind. But I deserved it.

There was so much Isagi wanted to say, to correct him, but he chose to stay silent again, so that Reo would be comfortable narrating his story. But Reo didn't say anything for a while after that, and Isagi felt the air become heavier by the minute. When he looked at Reo again, his eyes had become glassy, as if he was about to cry. So he spoke up in order to distract him from whatever was on his mind. Probably regrets.

- After coming to Blue Lock, you have more friends, don't you? Like Zantetsu, Kunigami, Chigiri and me.

- You consider me as your friend? - Reo asked, his voice a little hoarse.

Blue Lock was definitely the most magical thing that happened to Reo.

- I do. I think of you as a fun one to be with.

- Thanks. - Reo smiled as he looked at Isagi in appreciation. - It helps a lot.

- Truth to be told, I didn't think that you needed friends until recently. I've always thought that you lead a life like an emperor where everyone is your pawns.

- Is that really the vibe I give off? - Reo laughed hysterically as he asked.

- No, you're friendly and down to earth. I guess I just hold a grudge against rich people.

They laughed and went quiet again, a comfortable silence this time. Isagi rocked back and forth in his seat, enjoying the company of his new friend.

- You know, Nagi really treasures your shared dream of becoming the best together. - Isagi started again.

- I know now. He told me right when he said he needed me. It was clear that I misunderstood his intentions and forgot our promise.

Reo lied down and thought back to the time they were in the field, in the middle of the battle with Bastard Munchen. A small smile made its way to his mouth, he felt warm and fuzzy thinking of Nagi's resolve to their dream. It was considerate and clumsy at the same time. If he didn't know Nagi better, he would think that Nagi thought of him as something disposable. But it was made clear that it was just their lack of communication.

- Reo? - A familiar voice rang through the hallway informing that a  certain white head was looking for him.

- Nagi? - Reo said in surprise. Nagi was in bed 2 hours ago, he saw him sleeping soundly beside him with his own eyes.

- You guys have only parted for a while and he's already missing you. - Isagi jokingly commented.

- Oh, shut up. - Reo rolled his eyes.

However, Reo felt warm in his chest by the way Nagi cared so much about him in his own clingy way. Before Isagi's mocking gaze, he hurriedly got up on his feet, ready to sprint out and meet his treasure. That was when an idea clicked in the raven head. Isagi promptly held the hem of Reo's shirt, causing him to fall backwards onto the pillows they scattered on the floor. The purple head was caught completely off-guard, which made the impact of the fall heavier on his brain. He had to spend a few seconds lying on the pillows to steady his mind before sitting up.

- Are you here, Reo? - Nagi's voice rang through the room as the white head entered the room, only to halt when he saw the two, rolling on the floor, apparently.

- Nagi! Why are you looking for me this late? You should be in bed. - Reo nagged as he sat up properly, hair and clothes disheveled.

The collar of his shirt was out of place due to the harsh tug of Isagi, showing his sharp collarbone and his fair skin.  Upon seeing Reo like that, Nagi immediately felt something inside him heat up.

- What are you doing with Isagi here? - Nagi questioned.

- Just chatting the night away. Right Reo? - Isagi butted in.

- What he said. - Reo agreed.

Nagi frowned and eyed Isagi before diving into the pillows then clinged onto Reo's shoulders, fixing his collar secretly, which didn't go unnoticed by Isagi. The raven head laughed internally, amused at the childishness of the genius.

- We were talking about you, actually. - Isagi said, oh he would love himself some midnight love stories.

Hearing Isagi, Nagi shot a curious gaze at Reo, waiting for him to explain.

He just wouldn't listen to anyone else would he? - Isagi thought.

Reo absentmindedly stroked Nagi's cloudy hair as he hummed in agreement. He didn't really want to talk about that topic again, especially with Nagi. The taller one seemed to get the signal too, since he retrieved his questioning look and dived closer into Reo's thigh.

- Aren't you curious? - Isagi asked.

- Reo will tell me later. - Nagi said, wanting to end the conversation.

Reo was taken aback, but he realized Nagi's intention when he answered, so he didn't feel the need to butt in. However, he felt the need to tease this particular boy named Isagi.

- Are you curious, Mr. Gossiper?

- You got me. - Isagi answered and they both laughed, to Nagi's oblivion.

- What were you talking about with him? - Nagi repeated, annoyance could be heard in his voice.

- It's about you, just like I've said. - Isagi teased.

- Come on, don't mess with him. - Reo dismissed him. - It's just about what I thought when you le... teamed up with Isagi. - Reo was glad that he caught himself before letting the word slip out. Their relationship had no place for that kind of negativity.

Nagi stayed quiet, it seemed like he was thinking hard about something. After a while, he stood up, so Reo did too. Seeing that Reo had also stood up, Nagi automatically went behind him and wrapped his arms around his shoulders, wordlessly asking for a piggyback ride. Reo fondly sighed and squatted down to secure Nagi on his back.

- Let's go back to bed, yes?

Nagi hummed in response, so Reo turned back to bid Isagi good night before leaving with Nagi. The raven boy was dumb-founded, but he decided he would ask Reo later, and went back to watching tapes.

- Sorry. - Nagi murmured into the back of Reo's neck.

- For what?

- For leaving without telling you my plan. For changing without you. 

Reo sighed again in fondness and answered him, his voice went soft and quiet.

- I should have understood. It's okay, I know now.

- But you were hurt. And I hurt you too, saying that you were a pain. I really didn't mean it. - Nagi ranted. - I was just frustrated to see you in pain. I couldn't control my words. I really regret it, right after saying those words to you. I have never seen you as a hassle, and never will.

- Thank you. For everything.

They both went quiet at the same time, chasing different thoughts, but their minds were still occupied by the other.

- Hey, Reo.

- Yes?

Nagi called, but then stayed silent. Reo thought it was unusual of him, but he didn't press.

- What does "partner" mean? - Nagi asked out of the blues.

- Hm? What is it now? - Reo was taken aback by Nagi's strange actions.

- The word "partner" that you use to call me. What does it mean?

- My companion  on the field, of course. - Reo answered without really thinking.

- Is that so...

Nagi trailed off and they went back to silence again. The white head unconsciously shifted on Reo's back, hugging him tighter around his shoulders. Reo thought Nagi was slipping down, so he adjusted his hold, bringing them even closer. They both didn't say anything, but the thought inside Nago's head was noisy. He rested his chin on Reo's shoulder, then brought his face closer so his cheek would touch Reo's, letting his short purple locks tickle his face. They were so close to each other that even if Reo just slightly turned his head, their lips would touch. And boy did Nagi hope that would happen everytime he was on Reo's back.

He thought back to the time they were inseparable, which was still quite recent, just right before the second selection. He would stick to Reo like a bubble gum, following him everywhere, even though it was a hassle, just to be close to him. Being with Reo was really fun, after all. And everytime without fail, a magnetic field would draw him closer to the purple head, luring him to place a kiss on that pink cheek, or that white neck, or just wrap his arms around that slim figure. He desired that closeness. He was that greedy, because Reo gave him the taste of his sweetness without allowing him to explore it deeper. He wanted Reo.

Then he thought back to the time after they had lost to Isagi. It was a few days between the match and the start of the second selection. Reo still cared for him like a mother hen as usual, but it seemed like his mind was elsewhere. At that time, Reo would constantly stare off into space, thinking hard about something . He was probably thinking back to the match, the faithful match in which they lost for the first time. Nagi knew that Reo was not used to losing. He himself was frustrated too. He thought they could win easily like always, until members of team Z shut Reo down, so tight that couldn't get out. The look on Reo's face became the fuel to Nagi's strength, his legs carried him to Reo without him knowing it to receive the ball from Reo.

He started running because of Reo.

But that wasn't enough to win. He overestimated himself, he couldn't use Reo's passes to his advantage and failed Reo, failed their promise. Therefore, he had to be better, be stronger for their dream. He couldn't just depend on Reo like he did before, he would be a burden if he continued, and he would drag them both down. No, he had to be decisive, he had to detach himself from Reo so they could learn how to fight by themselves, and when they reunite, they would be a stronger duo.

He did all of that for Reo, for the dream that Reo had lighted up in him, for the future of them being the best in the world. He thought Reo would understand. But it seemed like he didn't, no matter how hard Nagi tried. After splitting up, he met Reo again in the shared bathroom. He was excited to share his growth with Reo, to hear Reo compliment him for working hard like always. He didn't expect his waving hand to be slapped away by Reo at all. He still remembered that moment, how his heart dropped to the pit of his stomach as Reo declared that they were enemies. Reo didn't want to see his face. Reo despised him.

The second time he saw Reo after the split up was the match between their team. His team won, but he was not at all excited or relieved. He just looked for Reo, only to see his eyes filled with disappointment and self-doubt. Nagi didn't leave him to see this. He left so they could both thrive. So why was Reo showing that face? He had to go to him, had to encourage him like Reo usually did to him, even though he was not at all good with his words. Therefore, he awkwardly complimented Reo, forgetting that things between them had changed.

Nagi had made so many exceptions for Reo, including this one. But Reo, who was deep in shame and self-loathing, couldn't take it and accused Nagi of breaking their promise. In a moment of frustration, he said the words that he never meant to. But as the words slipped from his tongue, Nagi knew he had no chance to take them back. Reo was devastated when he heard those hurtful words, his hollow stare turned into millions of spears, stabbed straight to Nagi's heart. He wanted to lunge forward, to hug Reo tight in his arms, to tell him he didn't mean it, to beg him for forgiveness but he couldn't. He couldn't because of his ego, the ego of the young, who never admit that they were wrong. Therefore, all he could do was keep walking forward and wait for Reo there. He had a firm belief that Reo would make it.

Nagi was on edge the whole time when the teams who passed the selection were revealed. He looked for the familiar purple color in every team that came out, only to be disappointed. The anxiety was eating him from the inside as he waited for Reo to come out, the noise inside his head getting louder and louder, stating that he would go straight home if Reo didn't make it. His growth that he gained for Reo would be meaningless if he was not here. He knew that Reo had the talents to stay in Blue Lock, but he couldn't help that small corner of his brain that kept creating sceneries, like what if he was unlucky?

But everything went quiet the moment he met Reo's eyes. The people, the talks were drowned out, leaving only Reo in his field of vision. It was his Reo. He made it. They would continue being with each other until the end, like how Reo promised him when they first entered Blue Lock.

- Reo. - He unconsciously called as that moment shone in his head.

- Yes? - The soft voice of Reo pulled him back to reality, where they had already arrived at the dorm. - You were zoning out the whole time, what were you thinking?

Nagi didn't let go of Reo just yet. He wanted to take advantage of this moment, so he would have a reason to hug Reo longer. The light smell of lavender from Reo reached his nose, slowly making him drowsy. Nagi inhaled a lungful of that enticing smell then sighed, ready to let go of him. Reo carefully placed him onto his bed carefully like he was carrying a baby. But Nagi was best at bargaining with Reo. He whined:

- I want to sleep on your bed.

- That's a one-timing thing, Nagi. There's no reason for us to share this tiny mat.

- So if I could make it big, you would share it with me, right?

- Why are you so enthusiastic about sleeping together today?

- You always leave me for breakfast first in the morning. If I sleep with you, you won't be able to go anywhere.

Reo laughed softly at his partner's childishness. A part of him wondered why Nagi was extra clingy today, but he decided to let it slide. It had been awhile since they were able to do this after all. He should coddle him to his heart's content.

- Work your magic, then. - Reo stepped aside to see what Nagi would do to make the mat bigger.

Nagi promptly pulled his mat to Reo's, so they would connect and make a bigger one. Then he lied down on his side, and patted the side next to his, which made Reo chuckle. Nagi frowned at him, a cute frown that only Reo was allowed to see. In response, Reo smiled softly at him and got into the blanket, only to immediately be pulled into Nagi's arms.

- Nagi, what now? - Reo's complaints were muffled as his head was buried in the white haired boy's chest. - It's hot. I can't breathe!

- Sorry. - Nagi muttered as he released Reo from his arms, allowing him to adjust and breathe, but still not letting him go.

- What's up with the clinginess? - Reo asked as he placed his head on Nagi's arm.

- I just miss you, I guess. - Nagi straightforwardly said.

It was the truth. Although splitting up was necessary, Nagi admitted that he was missing Reo like crazy. He couldn't wait to be back to Reo again, sticking with him as if they were magnets. He looked at Reo expectantly, wondering if he missed him too.

- I missed you too. - Reo mumbled, his hand reaching up to pat Nagi's soft white hair.

Nagi loved the touch. He had been obsessed with each and every touch of Reo ever since they met. Therefore he leaned in closer, allowing Reo to caress his head and his face. Under the blanket, Nagi locked their legs together, making their positions extra intimate. Reo was used to Nagi being touchy all the time, so he didn't mind but rather scooted over and indulged himself in Nagi's warmth. Nagi embraced him tighter and rested his chin on the top of Reo's head, where he could get the most of that sweet sweet lavender smell.

Reo, being a punctual person, it did not take long for him to drift off to dreamland as it was his sleep time. In contrast, Nagi could just sleep whenever he pleased, and he didn't want to sleep right now, so he decided that he would just lay there and stare at his precious instead. Nagi traced his finger on Reo's face, lightly and carefully, since he was wary of waking the boy up.

- I love you. - He muttered.

Even though he was sure that no one heard him, his face still heated up at the thought of confessing to Reo.

- Nagi? - Oh, he forgot that Reo was a light sleeper, unlike himself.

- Sorry. - Nagi clumsily patted Reo's hair and pulled his head into his chest in an attempt to distract him.

- But what did you say earlier? - Reo freed himself from Nagi's arms, catching some air.

- Nothing. - Nagi blatantly lied.

Even in the dark, Reo could still feel Nagi's body heating up. He chuckled, thinking his treasure was so cute then whispered:

- I'm just asking. I know what you said. I do too.

And with just that, Reo snuggled into Nagi's chest and pretended to sleep, refusing to answer any of Nagi's calls. Looking at the purple haired boy in his arms endearingly, Nagi let the corners of his mouth tug into a small smile and placed a kiss on top of his head. Reo let out a chuckle, despite still pretending to be asleep.

- It's unfair, Reo. - Nagi whined. - You're not asleep.

He said as he tightened his grip around Reo, forcing him to talk to him. Reo whined in response and wiggled out of his grip. He brought his hands up to Nagi's face then pinched both of his cheeks, to which  Nagi pouted, and he knew Reo could never resist this face of him. And Nagi was right. Reo rested his hands on his cheeks, mindlessly caressing the soft skin of the baby-faced guy, his eyes looking at him lovingly.

- I love you. - Nagi repeated his confession. 

- I know. - Reo smiled fondly at him.

Not getting the confession he wanted, Nagi took one of Reo's hands in his, looked straight into his purple orbs and slowly planted a kiss in the palm of Reo's slim hand. Reo's face immediately heated up at the act. He felt a tingling sensation from his head sent straight to his heart, making it beat faster. Pleased, Nagi hugged Reo tightly again, ready to sleep.

- Hey Reo.

- Hm? - Reo hummed, clearly content being in his embrace.

- Say it.

- Say what?

- I love you.

- I love you too.